How Long Will Your Balance Last?
Put in your balance. See how many days you have. Know when to top off.
How long will my balance last?
Enter your current balance to see how many days of power you have.
Enter your prepaid meter balance
Based on typical prepaid rates of 13.5c/kWh. Your actual rate may vary.
Tips to stretch your balance
- Set your thermostat 2-3 degrees higher in summer
- Unplug devices not in use
- Use fans instead of AC when possible
- Run appliances during off-peak hours
How Pay-As-You-Go Lights Work
They Take Money Every Day
With pay-as-you-go, your balance goes down every single day. Not once a month like a regular light bill. Check your account in the morning and you'll see what yesterday cost you.
Hot day with the AC blasting? Your balance drops faster. Keep an eye on it during summer.
No $300 Surprise at the End of the Month
The good part: you see exactly what you're spending. Most light companies have apps that show your balance right now.
When you can see the money leaving, it's easier to cut back before you run out.
Where Your Money Goes
The Power Itself: 12-20 cents per unit
This is what you're paying for the actual lights and AC. Pay-as-you-go rates are higher than regular plans. That's the trade-off for no deposit, no credit check.
Delivery Fee: 3-5 cents per unit
This pays for the wires and poles that get power to your house. Everybody pays this, no matter which light company you pick. It's the same whether you're prepaid or not.
Daily Fee: $0-2 per day
Some light companies charge you just for having an account. Even if you use zero power, they take $1-2 a day. That's $30-60/month before you flip a single switch. Ask about this before you pick a plan.
What Real Light Bills Look Like
Actual monthly costs for pay-as-you-go, depending on your situation:
$80-120
/month- Power: $90
- Daily fee: $30
Small apartment, 1-2 people, AC only when it's really hot
$150-200
/month- Power: $150
- Daily fee: $30
Regular Texas house, 2-3 people, AC running most days
$250-350
/month- Power: $225
- Daily fee: $30
Bigger house, 4+ people, AC blasting all summer
Heads up: July and August in Texas can double your light bill. When it's 105 outside and your AC is running all day, expect to pay 50-100% more than these numbers.
Consumer Advocate
I help you get your lights on when other companies say no. If you've been denied or quoted a huge deposit, I know the workarounds.
View full profileRelated Resources
Pay-As-You-Go vs Regular Plans
Which one costs less? Depends on your situation.
How Pay-As-You-Go Works
What happens when you're running low. When they cut you off.
Get Off Prepaid Eventually
12 months of on-time and you can switch to cheaper rates.
Compare Light Companies
All the pay-as-you-go options with startup costs.
Get Lights On Today
Who can connect you right now and their cutoff times.
Credit Not Great?
Every way to get lights when your credit's an issue.
Find Pay-As-You-Go Plans Near You
See what different light companies charge. No credit check just to look.
Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.
